A record number of people spoiled their vote in the presidential election, with close to 13 per cent of the total ballot deemed invalid.
There were 213,738 invalid votes, the highest number in a modern Irish election, as many voters expressed anger and frustration at the choice of candidates on the ballot and the exclusion of others.
The Irish Times conducted a call-out to hear from readers who had spoiled their vote, chosen not to vote or had voted for Jim Gavin as a “protest” vote.
Denis, Co Meath
I am a lifelong Fianna Fáil voter but was disgusted when the leadership imposed [the] candidacy of Jim Gavin, who was not a Fianna Fáiler and the centralisation of power in Micheál Martin has disrespected Fianna Fáil voters totally and its elected reps.
I also disliked elected councillors/Oireachtas members blocking genuine candidates like Gareth Sheridan or Maria Steen. It didn’t feel like a choice for me … so for the first time in my life in any election, whether political, students union, trade union or even local community committee, I spoiled my vote as a protest. I’m beginning to feel like elected representatives have stopped listening to the people.
Helen Duignan, Dublin, an Aontú mem
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